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I am now back in the United States. These last 3 weeks have been an amazing experience that I will never forget. I was able to see a different side of Fiji I never could have imagined. One day I would love to return in order to visit other parts of such an amazing place. Although we only stuck to the main island Viti Levu we had a unique opportunity to really learn about this island in great depth. We learned about history, culture and custom as well as the effect that tourism can play in both positive and negative lights. I learned that sustainable tourism does not need to be dull or limiting. If done correctly it can provide just as incredible experience while benefiting both the local economy and allow for the preservation of culture. This is a hard balance in a world dictated by the term "I want" as opposed to "I need." I am just as guilty as the next person confusing these two statements due to the immense pressure of our intensely materialistic world. Prior to this trip I was far more concerned with material wealth than the wealth of preservation of culture and the environment. This is not to say I do not want to live a comfortable life as that would be a lie, but I now place more value on the benefits that tourism can bring to a culture. Our trip up into the highlands is what allowed me to question my core beliefs. This trip allowed me to challenge my beliefs as well as my personal limits. One of these came in the form of the shark dive off the coast of Beqa Island. As an individual new to scuba diving the prospect of diving with sharks let alone some of the most aggressive species did not sit well in my stomach. However I now see sharks in a new light and truly believe they are important and need to be protected. I want to take this opportunity to thank all the amazing people we met along the way. Mostly I would like to thank my professor Ph.D. Kelly Bricker and her husband Nate for putting together such an amazing experience. I would also like to thank my peers who also took part on this trip. Lastly the amazing people of Fiji for their hospitality and generosity. Despite having just returned I leave for a new journey for the remainder of the summer. I will be leaving on June 23rd on a road trip from Salt Lake City to McCarthy Alaska. Upon arrival in the far north I will be interning for McCarthy River tours for the remainder of the summer. I hope to keep people updated and share more stories from my travels on this blog. Thank you for reading. Until Next time!!